Stephanie started her apprenticeship in Early Years/Childcare with EELCA (Edinburgh’s Early Learning and Childcare Academy) in August 2025 having just left High School. She is currently on placement in an Early Years Centre and studying for an SCQF Level 7 Social Services (Children and Young People).
Stephanie always knew that she wanted to work with children and previously volunteered at an after-school club and a local children’s club. She particularly liked the idea of doing an apprenticeship as it gives her a chance to learn child development theories and see the theory in practice while working with children.
She loves the day-to-day interaction with the children and watching them develop skills and relationships. She also appreciates the contact that she has with the families using the centre and has built good bonds with some of the parents/carers coming into the setting too. Stephanie has learnt a lot by observing the practice of experienced staff in the centre, for instance how they work in a positive way to set boundaries with children. All and all it’s been a great decision for Stephanie to choose this apprenticeship as she says below;
'I would highly recommend pursuing an apprenticeship. I have gained valuable knowledge and skills while enjoying the experience, and I have received excellent support throughout. I look forward to grow in this career and making a positive difference in supporting young minds.'
Stephanie has also enjoyed the course work and has made good progress already. She feels very supported by her assessor and the other staff at EELCA. Her assessor, Greta Milloy, is happy with her progress as she remarks below;
‘Stephanie is working hard completing assessments for her qualification. She has a really good work ethic and completes work by the deadlines she is given. She is linking knowledge and understanding to her practice. Stephanie has a lovely relationship with the children she cares for and with their parents. She works well with others in her team providing a safe, caring and nurturing environment for the children. Stephanie is looking forward to a career in Early Learning and Childcare after she completes her Modern Apprenticeship’.
Amanda Godsell, EELCA Lead Officer explains how training up apprentices in the service helps to develop the workforce for the future.
‘Stephanie joined EELCA`s cohort 9 in August 2025, as a group of 10 new Modern Apprentices. EELCA, our training academy is part of the City of Edinburgh Council`s central Early Years Team and was established in 2014 with the ambition to ‘grow our own’ highly skilled workforce and make Edinburgh the best place to grow up. Our annual External verification visits from Qualification Scotland (formerly SQA) have shown consecutive high confidence ratings in terms of quality assurance since starting in 2014.
As a local authority employer we are well placed to ensure that our apprentices are given the opportunity to develop their practice and knowledge in our childcare settings, learning from experienced colleagues. Many of our graduates from the modern apprenticeship programme have successfully joined the workforce permanently, which has allowed us to continue to meet our original aim of developing a high skilled and motivated workforce, delivering a high quality early years’ service in Edinburgh.’
